LADWP and IBEW Local 18 collaborate to provide an earn-and-learn Utility Pre-Craft Trainee (UPCT) program, offering extensive training and career advancement opportunities.
For those seeking a career change, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has launched a groundbreaking employment program in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 18. The Utility Pre-Craft Trainee (UPCT) program offers trainees the chance to earn a living wage and benefits while receiving comprehensive training in various positions within LADWP. With a focus on removing barriers to full-time employment, this program is transforming lives and providing a pathway to stable, well-paid careers.
A Program for Midlife Career-Changers Seeking Stability and Growth
The UPCT program has attracted individuals like Mayra Canales, who was working as an in-home caregiver before joining the program in 2013. Now, over 10 years later, Canales is a plant equipment operator at LADWP. Many trainees, like Canales, are midlife career-changers who are seeking more than just a job. They desire stability, opportunities for advancement, and access to good benefits.
Extensive Training and Hands-On Experience
Selected trainees receive payment and benefits while undergoing hands-on training in various positions within LADWP. The program offers comprehensive instruction that is unmatched by any other utility in the country. Trainees have the freedom to explore different aspects of the job and apply for specific positions once openings become available. This unique approach allows individuals to gain valuable knowledge and experience, positioning them for success in their chosen career paths.
A Game-Changing Program with Impressive Results
Launched in 2011, the UPCT program has proven to be a game changer for both trainees and LADWP. Nearly 85% of program participants have been hired full time or are still actively involved in the program. This success rate demonstrates the effectiveness of the program in providing career opportunities and removing structural barriers to employment. Shawn McCloud, the IBEW Local 18 senior assistant business manager overseeing the program, emphasizes the collaborative effort required to replicate this program in other cities.
Requirements and the Road Ahead
The UPCT program is open to L.A. County residents who possess a driver’s license and are willing to register quarterly until selected. While the waitlist currently stands at 2,000 individuals, LADWP plans to scale the program to create more opportunities and reduce the waiting period. Cynthia McClain-Hill, the president of the LADWP Board of Water & Power Commissioners, acknowledges the significant financial investment in the program but believes it can be replicated elsewhere as a workforce development strategy to uplift entire communities.
Conclusion:
LADWP’s UPCT program is revolutionizing the way individuals can pursue career changes and gain access to stable, well-paying jobs. By providing comprehensive training, competitive wages, and benefits, this program is empowering midlife career-changers to achieve their goals and move into the middle class. With impressive results and a commitment to expanding opportunities, LADWP’s partnership with IBEW Local 18 serves as a model for workforce development strategies that can transform communities and bridge the gap in racial and gender inequities. The UPCT program offers hope and a promising future for those seeking meaningful employment and a chance to build a successful career.
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